Ken Shin Kai meaning `The Association of Strong Heart, Mind and Spirit` was established in Portsmouth, Hampshire in 1985 under the direction of David Eayrs, after it had been running under the name of the Shudokan since 1970s. Ken Shin Kai practises the Yoshinkan style of Aikido, which is a hard, practical style that can be used to counter many attacks, Ken Shin Kai also incorporates the use of weapons to enhance the concentration and accuracy required to complete a successful Aikido technique. Weapons include; Bokken (Wooden Sword), Jo (4` Staff), Tanbo (Short Stick) and Tanto (Wooden Knife).

David Eayrs the founder of Ken Shin Kai, was born in Portsmouth, England. David was also a founder member of the British Aikido Board. David has studied Yoshinkan Aikido for over 45 years and was introduced to the Art of Aikido in 1963, whilst he was serving in the Army in Malaysia. David started practising with a small group of Malaysians and was then introduced to Shihan Francis Ramasamy who had been graded in Yoshinkan Aikido by the founder Soke Gozo Shioda. Close links are held with Malaysia and Aikido exchange trips are arranged every few years to share the knowledge of Aikido.

Sensei Garry Masters - 7th Dan, is the Principal Coach & Chairman of Ken Shin Kai and has been practising Yoshinkan Aikido for over 35 years and is also experienced in Iaido and Jodo. Garry is supported in his role by his Chief Instructor, Sensei Roger Bish - 6th Dan, who has been practising Yoshinkan Aikido for over 40 years, Sensei Malcolm Courts - 5th Dan and Sensei Richard Lewis who has been practising martial arts for nearly 50 years.

In his time as Principal Coach, Garry has obtained International recognition for Ken Shin Kai and all of its Instructors and students, firstly by establishing Ken Shin Kai as an independent Yoshinkan Aikido Organisation, recognised by the Headquarters for Yoshinkan Aikido Worldwide in Japan (AYF). Secondly by being Internationally recognised as the second highest Yoshinkan Aikido Instructor in the UK, holding the authenticated rank of 7th Dan Instructor in Yoshinkan Aikido, awarded by the son of the founder of Yoshinkan Aikido, Yasuhisa Shioda Sensei.

All Instructors have an average of 10 years teaching experience, hold governing body and internationally recognised qualifications, First Aid qualifications, insurance and have been CRB checked, to ensure that you have a safe and qualified environment in which to learn the martial art of Aikido.

Membership Type

Full Member

Style

Yoshinkan Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art taught to the Japanese Riot Police, which when used for self-defence can counter many different attacks. Learn to defend yourself by blending with an attackers power, dispersing his energy, and finally, throwing or controlling the attacker.

In Yoshinkan Aikido, the emphasis is on the study of fundamental movements and solid basic techniques as well as gaining philosophical insights into the conduct of life and human relationships. Yoshinkan Aikido as a martial art is non-competitive and non-violent. Cooperation and harmony are more important than aggression. Timing and control are more important than strength. With the development of solid basics, Yoshinkan Aikido provides means of self-defence without undue aggression.

Ken Shin Kai practises the Yoshinkan style of Aikido and is a Member of the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation (AYF), headquarters for Yoshinkan Aikido based in Tokyo, Japan. The AYF is now run by Yasuhisa Shioda Sensei son of the founder of Yoshinkan Aikido, Soke Gozo Shioda Sensei.

Only those dojos and instructors registered with the Yoshinkan Hombu Dojo in Japan are permitted to use the name Yoshinkan. This means that all yoshinkan grades held by members of Ken Shin Kai are recognised internationally.